Tuesday 2 July 2019

Reaping What You Sow


Scripture: Proverbs 1 v 7:  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Galatians 6 v 7 - 8:  "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."


The fear (respect for) the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. We should respect His instructions and comply with them, for those who shun them are called fools. If sinners entice you do not agree with them. If they put you under peer pressure to do evil stay away from them.  It is more beneficial to please Jesus than to fall into trouble pleasing people. 

If you know that what you are doing is hurting those who love and pray for you, seek help. Ask Jesus to show you how to resist these temptations. Separate yourself from those who call themselves friends but who oppose the righteous ways of Jesus. They mock our gracious Lord and use His mighty name as a curse word. They reject His salvation and want to impose their loose living upon you.

The Lord is not mocked. He knows who are His. If you are born again and still running with the crowd of sinners beware lest they drag you back into the world and you lose the blessings you have gained.  It happens so subtly that you don't notice the effect of ungodly people on the way you think and behave. 

You are walking with Jesus and therefore you must always show Him your best side.  This takes discipline and self-control, and an awareness of His presence.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by throwing caution to the wind and returning to the bad habits that lead to sorrow of heart. They may seem fun at the time but you will have to give an account to Him, which will distress you deeply.  Think of Peter denying Jesus three times and how ashamed he was to face Him, and think twice before you leap.

It is a privilege and honour to be part of the Lord's family.  We need to live up to His expectations.  We need to sow good seeds into the lives of others, and it starts with being different.  If we continue the way we were before we were born again, how will anyone know He is alive in us.  Let us throw off our old sinful rags and enjoy wearing the robes of righteousness.

Yes, Jesus took all our sins upon Himself and by His grace we are forgiven, and expected to live holy, sin free lives.  If you continue in sin you become like Esau who exchanged his privileged life for a meal.  We must appreciate our salvation and our Saviour with all our hearts, and thereby reap the rewards of obedience.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we have to learn obedience as it does not come naturally to us. Please help us to be willing to learn so that You will be pleased with us.  Forgive us if we have strayed from Your righteousness and set our feet back on Your path. In Jesus' name. Amen.